Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW
Veteran LCSW specializing in trauma and stress
- Trauma and anxiety
- Sleep and addictions
- Family and relationships
About Dr. Thomas Kadela
Dr. Thomas Kadela is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience in assessment and treatment, and a broad background that includes work with children, families, and veterans. He blends extensive clinical training with practical leadership roles in behavioral health, and he describes his approach as holistic - attending to body, mind, and spirit to help clients restore balance.
Dr. Kadela brings experience teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels, publishing in professional journals, and serving in clinical and administrative roles such as program supervision and training direction. He is board certified in his discipline and has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings. He also serves as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer and works full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs, though he does not formally represent those organizations here.
In online work he limits his caseload to a small number of clients and offers a mix of evidence-based therapies and skills-focused coaching. He is trained in a range of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and several targeted interventions for sleep, pain, trauma, and anger. Dr. Kadela emphasizes collaboration - treating clients as experts on their own lives while offering structured options when focused change is desired. He also notes his experience as a U.S. Army combat veteran and a long history of presenting workshops and keynote talks, and he welcomes inquiries about his work and background.
Dr. Kadela brings experience teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels, publishing in professional journals, and serving in clinical and administrative roles such as program supervision and training direction. He is board certified in his discipline and has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings. He also serves as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer and works full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs, though he does not formally represent those organizations here.
In online work he limits his caseload to a small number of clients and offers a mix of evidence-based therapies and skills-focused coaching. He is trained in a range of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and several targeted interventions for sleep, pain, trauma, and anger. Dr. Kadela emphasizes collaboration - treating clients as experts on their own lives while offering structured options when focused change is desired. He also notes his experience as a U.S. Army combat veteran and a long history of presenting workshops and keynote talks, and he welcomes inquiries about his work and background.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Autism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Thomas Kadela have?
He has 30 years of assessment and treatment experience.
Is Dr. Thomas Kadela a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His license is IL LCSW 149007447.
In which languages does Dr. Thomas Kadela provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Thomas Kadela located?
He is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Dr. Thomas Kadela as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Thomas Kadela through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Thomas Kadela work with international clients?
Dr. Thomas Kadela does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Thomas Kadela cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care
Dr. Kadela commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people clarify their values and learn practical skills to live in line with what matters to them while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings. It is often used for persistent stress, anxiety, and life transitions.
He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured approach that identifies patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain problems and teaches concrete strategies to change them. CBT is frequently applied for depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and coping with pain.
Client-Centered Therapy is another element of his practice, emphasizing a respectful, nonjudgmental stance that helps clients explore their own goals and strengthen self-understanding. This approach supports work on relationships, self-esteem, and personal growth.
Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Dr. Kadela works with clients to weigh goals, preferences, and presenting concerns and may combine methods or adapt strategies over time to find the best fit.
Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer practical flexibility - they make it easier to schedule care around work and family life, maintain continuity during transitions, and access consistent support from licensed professionals and therapists regardless of geographic constraints.